Prince Edward's three-word response explaining why he never shakes hands with people
Prince Edward is often spotted out and about meeting members of the public but has a good reason he never shakes hands.
Prince Edward and Sophie attend Entente Cordiale parade
Prince Edward gave an amusing three-word response when asked why he does not shake hands with the public, as he exclaimed: "They'd [his hands would] fall off!"
Walkabouts are a key part of working royal life for Edward and his wife Duchess Sophie, who were on hand to greet members of the public during the mourning period for Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.
Speaking outside Buckingham Palace the Prince divulged how he managed to get round so many people but told one person how he preferred non-physical contact, such as waving.
He explained: "I’d love to shake hands, but have you seen how many people there are here? They’d fall off!"
Edward told another member of the crowd: "I’ve been trying to avoid it only because if I do it once, I have to shake everybody’s hand."
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Sophie walked a few steps behind him at the Palace, collecting bouquets and stuffed animal gifts from the public and even cradling a baby at one point.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have become even more integral working royals since King Charles acceded to the throne, taking on more duties this year as he took time out due to ill health.
Last Saturday Edward was in the Scottish capital deputising for his older brother as Lord High Commissioner at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, where he welcomed the newly elected Moderator, Reverend Dr Shaw James Paterson.
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During the engagement the Prince praised the royal chaplains for the support they had shown him and his family following the death of his mother.
He said: "For my own part, I just want to pay personal tribute to the chaplains of the Chapels Royal and especially those here in Scotland. There have been moments recently where I have been lucky to have sensed God's care and love.
"And who could forget the scenes that followed the passing of my mother? The outpouring of emotions, the demonstration of respect, love, and grief was overwhelming and a privilege to experience and behold.
"I think I can speak for my whole family when I say we will remain forever grateful for that support."
Edward also congratulated Dr Paterson on his appointment as Moderator as he jokingly made a comparison between the life of the child of a minister and that of the child of a royal.
He said: "Growing up in the family of a minister is never easy; having to come to terms with sharing one or both of your parents with the wider parish family. And believe me, I can empathise."
On Monday Sophie joined her husband in Golspie on the north east coast of Scotland to learn more about how flooding has impacted the community there.